Tippa in strong return

STAR Essendon forward Anthony McDonaldTipung wu ti made a successful return to football through the VFL on Saturday, but fell short of clinching a fairytale afterthe-siren victory.

In his first game of the year since returning to the club following personal leave, the Bombers’ Territory livewire scored two goals in Essendon’s 13.13 (91)-13.10 (88) loss to the Casey Demons on Saturday.

In his first hitout, McDonald-Tipungwuti ran out the game and had the chance to win the game for the Bombers when he was awarded a free kick 50m out from goal when the siren sounded.

His long-range kick made the distance, but he pushed it wide to give the Demons the win at Casey Fields.

He finished with 11 disposals and 2.2, including the first goal of the match with a trademark crumbing goal.

Despite his interrupted preseason, Bombers coach Ben Rutten would be tempted to unleash the Essendon fan favourite in next Sunday’s clash with Adelaide at Marvel Stadium. Bombers first-round draft selection Ben Hobbs is odds-on to make his AFL debut against the Crows after starring with 24 possessions and one goal on Saturday.